Implementing a Network Topology for WAN: Best Balance of Virtual Circuits, Redundancy, and Performance

Network Topology for WAN

Question

You want to implement a network topology that provides the best balance for regional topologies in terms of the number of virtual circuits, redundancy, and performance while establishing a WAN network.

Which of the following network topologies will you use to accomplish the task?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

D.

When implementing a WAN network, there are several factors to consider, such as the number of virtual circuits, redundancy, and performance. The topology used will have a significant impact on these factors.

A. Bus Topology A bus topology consists of a single cable to which all devices are connected, forming a linear network. Each device communicates directly with its neighboring devices. While this topology is easy to set up and cost-effective, it does not provide much redundancy, and a single point of failure in the network can bring down the entire system. Moreover, the number of virtual circuits is limited, as each device must take turns transmitting data on the shared medium.

B. Fully Meshed Topology A fully meshed topology is one in which every device is connected to every other device, forming a complete network. This topology provides the highest level of redundancy, as there are multiple paths for data to travel, and a failure in one link does not bring down the entire system. However, this topology can be expensive and difficult to maintain, especially as the number of devices increases. Additionally, the number of virtual circuits grows quickly as the number of devices increases, leading to potential performance issues.

C. Star Topology In a star topology, each device is connected to a central hub or switch. All data transmissions must pass through the central hub, which can act as a bottleneck for data traffic. However, this topology provides a good balance between cost, performance, and redundancy. It is easy to set up and maintain and allows for easy expansion of the network. Additionally, virtual circuits can be easily established between any two devices in the network.

D. Partially Meshed Topology A partially meshed topology is a hybrid of a fully meshed and a star topology. In this topology, some devices are connected to a central hub, while others are connected directly to each other, forming a mesh network. This topology provides a good balance between redundancy, cost, and performance, as the hub provides a central point of control while the mesh network provides multiple paths for data traffic. However, as with a fully meshed topology, the number of virtual circuits grows quickly as the number of devices increases.

Based on the requirements of providing the best balance for regional topologies in terms of the number of virtual circuits, redundancy, and performance while establishing a WAN network, the most suitable option is the partially meshed topology.